Electric switch



July 21, 1931. J. G. PETERSON 1,815,633

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Jan. 4. 1927 11v VENTOR Patent eel July 21,1931" STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC SWITCH Application filed January 4, 1927.

My invention relates to electric switches. It has for its object to provide an electric switch of improved construction. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved electric switch of simple and rugged construction operating in an improved manner and capable of being conveniently and quickly assembled and very conveniently operated. Another object of my invention is to provide an improved switch of the snap switch type having improved contact adjusting means and more particularly such. means capable of control ling a plurality of circuit connections. A

further object is to produce such an improved switch having actuating means which are exceedingly convenient and'flexible in operation, especially when embodied in a switch adapted to be held in the hand while operated. A still further object of my invention is to provide an improved switch of a type adapted to vary the circuit connections and thereby vary current flow in a controlled device, and, more particularly, an improved and exceedingly convenient switch of this character adapted to be connected between conductors leading to a device to be controlled, as, for example, .those connected to a heating pad. These and other objects 0 and advantages of my improved construc- 4O pad, although it will be understood that the.

invention is not limited to this embodiment or to this use.

In these drawings, Fig, 1 is a side elevation of the switch in its enclosing shell and connected to its cooperating conductors;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same with the top of the shell removed;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the switch unit,

theshell beingindicated in dotted lines;

switch unit when removed from the shell Serial No. 158,946.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of one side of the with the actuating member indicated in dif ferent positions in dotted lines;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the opposite side of the switch unit;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the half of the switch unit carrying the actuating mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the other half of the switch unit, i. e. that which carries the switch contacts;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged end view partially in section, showing the two halves of the unit in assembled relation; and V Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view showing the spring mounted movable cam member cooperating with the series of stationary cams.

In this illustrative construction I have shown my improved switch enclosed in a casing, herein including a cylindrical shell 1 having complementary end caps 2 and 3 of usual construction connected in a usual manner to its opposite ends; the switch being connected between the ends of conductors 4 and 5, of which the conductor 4 is connected to the line while the conductor 5 leads to the device to be controlled. In this casing, herein the shell portion 1, a vertical slot 6 is also provided adapted to permit the passage of the actuating member 7 of the switch unit, this slot extending through to one end of the shell 1 in such manner as to permit the switch unit to be slipped into the shell with its actuating member extending through the slot and also to permit the switch unit to be withdrawn similarly from the shell 1, when desired. The slot 6also permits the movement of the actuating memher 7 to different positions in the slot to con trol the switch, as hereinafter brought out, the general construction being such that, holding the shell in one hand, the operating member 7 may be moved in one direction sucessively into several operative positions without removingthe thumb from the rounded end thereof, and similarly moved in the opposite direction into ditierent operative positions by a reverse operation.

The switch-mechanism housed in the shell 1. is preferably in the form of a unit. This unit herein comprises an insulating plate 8, herein of rectangular form, and an oppositely located plate 9, herein also formed of insulating material and of similar form; the two being connected by suitable connecting means, such, for example, as at 10, operating to hold the plates in assembled relation with the operating mechanism of the switch between them and with the switch actuating member 7 extending laterally beyond one edge of the plates. Asshown, this unit is also provided with binding posts at its opposite ends and adapted to be connected, respectively, with different leads in the conductors 4 and, 5. More particularly, it will be noted that the unit carries binding posts 11, 12 and 13 adapted for connection to the leads of the conductor 5, while binding posts 14 and 15 are provided for connection to the leads of the conductor 4. Referring more particularly to Figs. 4 and 5, it will be noted that of these binding posts the binding post 13 is formed integral with a conducting strip 16 extending partway down the insulating base, while the binding post 11 is formed integral with a longer conducting strip 17, having its lower end curved around and spaced from the axis of the switch hereinafter described, both of these strips being carried on the outside of the base 8 and connected to suitable contacts also hereinafter described. The binding post 12, on the other hand, is formed integral with F a conducting strip 18 forming a through connection, and also formed integral with the binding post 15 at the opposite end of the switch unit, this strip 18 being on the outside of-the plate 9. If desired, of course a through conductor may be used in lieu of this conducting strip 18 and its binding posts, or a short length of conductor may be substituted for the conducting strip while utilizing the binding posts, but I prefer to use the conducting strip and its connected binding posts, as shown. The other binding post 14, located at the opposite end of the switch unit and connectible to the conductor 4, is also formed integral with aconducting strip 19, likewise 1 carried on the outside of the insulating base 8 and leading to a center contact hereinafter described. Thus, it will be noted that all the necessary switch connections are carried by the plate 8, the strip 18, which forms no part of the switch per se, being the only electrical connection on the plate 9.

Referring more particularly to the mechanism within the switch unit, that unitary portion of the mechanism carried on the plate 9 will be first described. Here, it will be observed that a frame 20 is secured to the inside surface of this conducting plate 9, and that this frame, in addition to a pair of bent up connecting means 10 heretofore described, formed on each end thereof, has an upturned posite s lip 21 having a slot 22 therein-through which the free end of the member 7 extends and within the limits of which it may move. It will also be noted that this frame has an upturned portion 23 on its opposite side forming a support for the other end of the member 7, the latter being pivoted to the lug by a suitable pivot 24. Thus, the member 7 may be moved about this pivot from the full-line position indicated at the top in Fig. 4 through intermediate dotted positions shown therein to the bottommost dotted line position indicated in that figure, within the limits of the opening or slot 22, and may also be moved in a reversed direction to corresponding positions. Beneath the member 7 and adapted to move therewith about the pivot 24, is also disposed a plate spring member 25. This spring 25 is herein held in position between the parts '7 and 23 by the same pivotal connection 24 and extends outwardly and normally downwardly toward the bottom of the frame. Herein it also has at its outer end anabruptly upwardly turned extension 26 .extending through an oblong slot 27 in the operating member 7, the slot 27 being given this shape so that When the free end of the spring member 25 is pressed upward or there after released, that free end may move as required longitudinally of the member 7 while still retaining a lateral connection therewith when either member moves laterally in either direction. In my improved construction it will also be noted that a plurality of peaked stationary cam projections 28, 29 and 30 is provided beneath the spring 25 and disposed adjacent one another in spaced relation in an are around the axis 24 of the member 7' and spring 25, and that a cooperating oppositely extending m'ovable projection or cam portion 31 is carried on the adjacent side of the spring 25, these projections herein being conveniently, cheaply and ruggedlyformed by punching the same out ofthe bottom of the frame 20 and out of spring 25 respectively. Thus, it'will be noted that if, for example, the member 7 is moved from its fullline position shown in Fig. 4, wherein it is at one end of this serrated portion formed .by the projections 28, 29 and 30, the portion 31 on the spring will be caused to ride up the adjacent incline to press the spring toward the member 7, and that the energy thus stored in the spring will act to snap it down the opthe peak thereof. ,It will further be evident that due to the action of the spring 25, the member 7 will be held definitely in position after the projection 31 has completed each of its downward movements. Thus, for. example, in the construction shown, the memher 7 may be moved into the four positions illustrated in full and dotted lines in Fig. 4, when the three raised portions 28, 29 and 30 are provided.

ope of the incline as soon as it passes form, this contact member 35 is also spaced Referring more particularly to the other unitary portion of the, switch unit, i. e. that carried on the plate 8, it will be noted that this carries the circuit changing connections as well as the binding posts and their connections, and that these circuit changing connections are adapted to be actuated when the member 7 is moved as previouslvdescribed. More particularly referring to Fig. 7, it will be observed that a flat oblong insulating member 32,carrying at one end contacts hereinafter described, is pivoted at 33 between its ends to the plate 8, the pivot being so located that when the plate 8 is fitted over the actuating mechanism on the other half the parts occupy the relation shown in Fig. 8. Herein this member 32 is provided at the opposite end from the contacts with a longitudinally extending slot 34 having a rounded end and receiving an upturned lug 34 on the member 7, the lug 34' herein, as preferably, being formed of the material bent up to provide the longitudinal slot 27 in the member 7. As

.a result, when the member 7 is moved as previously described, the contact carrying member 32 is also actuated, the same being swung about its pivot to change'the circuit connections. Referring more particularly to Figs. 7 and 8, it will be noted that between the insulating member 32 and the insulating base 8, a movable contact member or spider 35 is provided having at one end ears 35 bent and embracing the outer sides of the slotted end of the member 32 so that it will rotate with that member. It will also be noted that this member 35 has at its opposite end oppositely disposed laterally extending contacts 36, 38, and between these contacts a central longer longitudinally disposed contact 37, these contacts 36, 37 and 38 being adapted to engage with fixed rivet contacts 39, 40,41 and 42 carried by the insulating base 8. In a preferred from the member 8 by a metallic washer 32, and the contact members 36, 37 and 38 thereon are of spring metal and bent slightly downward to make a good contact with the contacts 39, 40, 41 and 42, which lie substantially in the plane of the base 8. Here attention is also directed to the fact that the binding'post 14 and conducting strip 19 are axially electrically connected to the contact member by the rivet 33, while the binding post 13 is connected through the conducting strip 16 with the contacts 40 and 41, and the binding post his connected through the con-' ducting strip 17 with the contacts 42 and 39, rivet contacts-being used in each case and the rivets acting not only as contacts but as means connecting the terminal members 16, 17 and 19 to the base.

In considering the operation of my improved construction, it will be noted that when the actuating member 7 is in theuppermost position indicated in Fig. 4, i. e. the

position shown in Fig. 1, the contact member 35 is in its off position illustrated in Fig. 7, while the projection 31 on the spring 25 is then at one end of the set of cooperating projections 28, 29 and 30, as shown in Fig. 6. When the casing'is held in the palm of the hand and the thumb placed on the protruding end of the member 7, a downward pressure on the latten member from the position shown in Fig. 1 causes it to move about its pivot toward the next lower position indicated in dotted lines at A on Fig. 4. Dur ing this movement the spring 25 is forced toward the member 7 by the contact of its projection 31 with the adjacent end inclined of the set of projections 28, 29 and 30, until the projection 31 reaches the top of that incline, whereupon, the spring then being free to act, it quickly rides down into the next adjacent valley, carrying the member 7 with it and, through theconnection of the contact member 35 to the member 7, causing the contact member to be swung about its pivot into low position, wherein the moving contact 36 contacts with the cooperating stationary contact 39. It will be noted that thus after each manual movement of the member 7 carrying the spring projection 31 to the top of its cooperating projection 28, 29 or 30, the spring functions in such manner as automatically to move the member 7 very quickly in the same direction that the member 7 is being moved manually. Thus, due to the operative connection between the member 7 and the movable 'contact member 35, the latter member is snapped very quickly from one position to another, both the circuit making and breaking operations being brought about entirely by the action of the spring and while its projection rides down its cooperating slope on the projections 28, 29 and 30.

Should a medium heat be required, the member 7 is moved another notch downward to the dotted line position B in Fig. 4, with the same general effects, resulting in the location of the projection 31 in the next lower valley, and the connection of the movable contact 37 to its cooperating contact 40. Similarly, if a high heat is required, the member 7 is moved a further notch downward to the position C, the projection 31 then passing down the last slope on the set of projections 28, 29 and 30, and the movable contacts 38 and 37 being moved into cooperation with the stationary contacts 42 and 41. The parts will of course be held in any position through the action of the spring 25. Conversely, when the switch is in its high position, a reverse movement of the member 7 will return 1 sition.

As a result of mykimprovement, it is made possible for the switch to be moved most conveniently from its off position to any of its other positions. It will also be observed that it is unnecessary to remove the thumb from the member 7 or to shift the position or grip of the thumb, in moving the member 7 into any position desired. It will also be noted that the movement toward off position is in a direction away from the pad and the user, while the movement'toward any of the on positions is in a'direction toward the pad and the user. lhus, by following a natural and therefore easily remembered movement toward or from the user when heating is desired or no longer desired, confusion is minimized. Moreover, either movement is made progressively in steps in such manner that the position of the member 7 indicates the heat at any time. Further, the step by step movement is such as to enable the user to know that after one step the switch is in low heat position, two steps, in medium high position, and all the way down, in high heatposition. An audible indication of position is also provided by the slight click of each movement, and these positions may also be determined by feeling the position of the member 7, or by marking the position of the member 7 on the shell, though the latter provision is not ordinarily necessary. Attention is also directed to the fact that the member 7 may be moved in either direction with perfect freedom, and that, its path of movement in either direction being very short, it may be moved quite rapidly, the contacts always being shifted even more rapidly by the spring. Attention is also directed to the improved unitary construction provided which upon opening of the casing enables all the switch mechanism and connections to be removed as a unit. As regards wiring, it will also be observed that the switch may be very readily wired, all of the terminals being readily accessible, while the through connection on the unit is also so disposed as to be both readily accessible and effectually insulated from the switch mechanism. It will also be noted that the switch unit may be disposed in a reversed position in the'casing, i. e. with its projecting actuating member in the opposite end of the slot in off position, if desired for any reason. 7

The two halves of the unit are also adapted to be separately and completely manufactured as units, if desired, and then readily and conveniently assembled into a complete over a long period with a minimum of wear. Attention is further directed to the fact that the construction may be very cheaply made, the metalparts, for example, being largely stampings capable of being manufactured in large quantities at small expense, while the unit comprising the spaced insulating plates is also very inexpensively provided as compared with units having molded members. lhes'e and other advantages of 'my construction will, however, be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While I have in this application specifically described one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be modified and embodied in various other forms and used in connection with switches other than through switches and switches controlling a different number of circuits, without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. An electric switch device adapted to be grasped in one hand during operation and having therein contact adjusting mechanism including an operatively connected actuating member having a single operating portion projecting from the body of the switch and operative in'a plurality of operative positions by'a finger of that hand, and mechanism operative to change a plurality of circuit connections with a series of snap actions while moving the finger progressively in the same direction.

2. An electric switch device for heating devices or the like, adapted to be carried by conductors and grasped in one hand during operation, and having therein contact adjusting mechanism including an actuating mem ber having a single operating portion projecting from the body of the device and movable into a plurality of spaced positions longitudinally of the latter by a finger of that hand, and mechanism operative to change a plurality of circuit connections successively while movingthe finger progressively in the same direction.

3. An electric switch devioehaving a casing adapted to be grasped in one hand during operation and having therein contact adjusting mechanism including a single operatively connected actuating member having an operating portion projecting from the body of the casing and operative in different directions longitudinally of the latter by different progressive movements of a finger of that hand, and mechanism operative to change a plurality of circuit connections ,while moving the finger in either direction.

4. An electric switch device having a casing adapted to be grasped in one hand during operation and having therein contact adjusting mechanism including an operatively conplurality of circuits with a series of snap actions as said member is moved progressively in the same direction about its pivot.

5. An electric switch device having a casing adapted to be grasped in one hand during operation and having therein contact adj usting mechanism including an operatively connected reversely swinging actuating member movable longitudinally of the switch casing and projecting from the latter and operative in different directions by a finger of the hand holding the casing, and mechanism operative to change a plurality of circuits with a series of snap actions as said member is moved progressively in either direction relative to its pivot.

6. An electric switch having a casing and contact mechanism therein and a reversely swinging finger actuated actuating member projecting from the casing of the switch, and reversible means actuated by said member and operative to change successively and with a snap action a plurality of circuit connections as said member moves progressively in one direction or as it moves progressively in the opposite direction. I

7. An electric switch having a casing and contact mechanism and a finger actuated elongated pivoted actuating member having a free end projecting from the side of the casing, and means in said casing actuated by said member and operative with a plurality of step-by-step movements in the same direction for adjusting the contacts to change a plurality of circuit connections with a series of snap actions as said free end moves progressively in one direction about its pivot.

8, An electric switch having a casing and contact mechanism and a finger actuated reversely swinging actuating member having a free end projecting from the side of the switch and movable longitudinally of the casing, and means in the latter actuated by said member and reversely operative'with a plurality of step-by-step movements foradjusting the contacts to change a plurality of circuit connections with a series of snap actions as said member moves progressively in either direction about its pivot.-

9. An electric switch comprising movable and stationary contacts, an actuating member, a series of stationary projections, and operative connections actuated by said member and including a spring connected member riding over said projections and free to rise and fall relative thereto independently of said movable contact, for successively actuating the latter to make and break a plurality of circuits with a series of snap actions as said actuating member is moved progressively in one direction.

10. An electric switch comprising movable and stationary contacts, a swinging actuating member movable about its pivot in an arc, an arcuate series of stationary projections .disposed about said pivot, and operative connection actuated by said member and including a swinging spring connected member riding over said projections and free to rise and fall relative to said movable con tact, for successively actuating the latter to make and break a plurality of circuits with a series of snap actions as said actuating member is moved progressively about its pivot in one direction.

11. An electric switch device including a casing adapted to receive conductors at each end thereof and having therein terminals, movable and stationary contacts, an elongated swinging actuating member movable about i a pivot and having its free end projecting from said casing and movable in an are between said ends, and operative connections actuated by said meinber for successively making and breaking a series of circuits with a series of snap actions as said member is moved progressively about its pivot in one direction.

12. An electric switch device including a casing adapted to receive conductorsat each end thereof and having therein terminals, movable and stationary contacts, a swinging reversible actuating member movable reversely about a pivot in an arc between said ends and extending longitudinally of the casing, and operative connections actuated by said member for successively making and breaking a plurality of circuits with a series of snap actions as said member is moved progressively about its pivot in either direction.

13. An electric switch device comprising a switch casing and having therein stationary and movable contact members, an actuating member having one operating portion movable longitudinally of the switch casing and projecting laterally from between the ends of the switch casing in a plurality of operative positions spaced longitudinally along the latter and operative connections actuated by said actuating member and operative su ccessively to make and break a plurality of circuit connections with a snap action as said actuating member moves progressively in one direction.

14. An electric switch device comprising a switch casing and having therein stationary and movable contact members, a reversible actuating member reversely movable longitudinally of the switch casing and proj ecting laterally from between the ends of the switch casing, and operative connections actuated by said actuating member and operative successively to make and break a plurality of circuit connections with a snap action as said actuating member moves progressively in either direction.

15. An electric switch comprising stationary and movable contact members, a manually engaged actuating member, and mechanism including cooperating actuating elements disposed on the opposite side of said actuating member from said movable contact and operative as said actuating member is.

moved progressively in one direction to actuate said movable contact member successively with a plurality of quick impulses.

16. An electric switch comprising stationary and movable contact members, an actuating member movable longitudinally of the switch to actuate said movable contact memary and movable contact members, a manually engaged reversible mechanism including cooperating actuating elements disposed on the opposite side of said actuating member from said movable contact and operative as said actuating member is moved progressively in either direction to actuate said movable contact member successively to change a plurality of circuit connections with a plurality of quick impulses, and insulating members carrying said mechanism therebetween having said actuating member operative from the exterior thereof and one insulating member carrying said-stationary contact members and the other carrying one of said cooperating actuating elements.

18. An electric switch comprising stationary contacts, a movable contact carrying member, an actuating member manually engaged by the operator and'movable longitudinally of the switch to actuate said contact carrying member, and means including cooperating spring pressed cam elements disposed on the opposite side of said actuating member from said movable contact and operative as said actuating member is -moved progressively in one direction .to cause both of said members to be moved with a plurality of quick impulses.

19. An electric switch comprising stationary contacts, a movable contact carrying member, an actuating member manually engaged by the operator and operatively connected to actuate said contact carrying member, and means including a'movable cam movable with and independently of said movable contact member cam and a plurality of cooperating stationar 1 cams and operative as said actuating member is moved progressively in one direction for actuating said movable contact member with a plurality of quick-impulses each of which is in the same direction.

20. An electric switch comprising stationary contacts, a movable contact carrying member, an actuating member manually engaged by the operator and operatively connected to actuate said contact carrying member, and means including a movable cam and a cooperating stationary cam comprising a series of projections and operative as said actuating-member is moved progressively in either direction to actuate said movable contact member with a plurality of quick impulses in the same direction as the direction of movement of said actuating member.

21. An electric switch comprising stationary contacts, a pivoted contact carrying member, an actuating member for the latter pivoted at one end and pivotally connected at a point between its ends to said contact carrying member, and means operative as said actuating member is moved about its pivot in one direction to actuate it with a plurality of quick impulses in the same direction.

22. An electric switch comprising stationary contacts, a pivoted actuating member, a parallel pivot-ed. contact carrying member having contacts at the end adjacent the pivot of said actuating member and operatively connected to the latter between the ends thereof, and means for imparting to said contact carrying member a'series of quick snap actions as said actuating member is moved about its pivot.

23. An electric switch comprising stationary contacts, a pivoted actuating member, a parallel pivoted contact carrying member having contacts at the end adjacent the pivot of said actuating member and pivotally connected to the latter between the ends thereof, and means for imparting to said actuating member a series of quick snap actions as said actuating member is moved about its pivot.

24:. An electric switch mechanism comprising a manually actuated pivoted member, mechanism operative as said member is moved about its pivot comprising a series .of stationary cam means and a resiliently mounted member engageable therewith and movable with a series of quick automatic movements, and contact means comprising stationary contacts and a co-operating movable contact member operatively connected to said second mentioned member While free from the rising and falling movementsthereof into and movable thereby into different positions by said quick automatic movements thereof.

25. An electric switch mechanism comprising amanually actuated pivoted member, mechanism operative as said member is moved about its pivot and actuating the same with quick automatic movements in the same dircction as said member is moved about its pivot, and contact making and breaking mechanism operatively connected to said piving a pivoted actuating member movable through an arc, mechanism operative as said member is-moved in either direction about its pivot inserting a quick automatic movement between a plurality of stages of each manual movement thereof and in the same direction as said manual movement, and a contact carrying member actuated thereby.

27. An electric switch mechanism comprising a pivoted actuating member pivoted at one end and movable through an are, a contact carrying member pivoted at a point intermediate the ends of said actuating member and having an operative connection with said actuating member at a point between the pivot of said contact member and the free end of said actuating member.

28. In a switch mechanism, contact mechanism including stationary and movable contact members, a pivoted actuating member,

5 and means for imparting a series of snap actlons to sa1d movable contact member as said actuating member is moved about its pivot mcludmg a spring movable w1th said actuating member and toward and from the 0 same a stationar element and coo cratin y 7 b pro ections on said spring and said stationary element comprising a single projection on one ber as said actuating member is moved about its pivot including a spring movable with said actuating member and toward and from the same, a projection on said spring, and a series of spaced stationary peakedprojections adapted to be engaged by the projection on said spring as the latter is moved with said actu ating member.

30. In a switch mechanism, contact mechanlsm lncluding statlonary and movable contact members, a pivoted actuating member,

and means for imparting a series of snap actions to said movable contact member as said actuating member is moved about its pivot including a spring movable with said actuating member and toward and from the same, a pro-..

jection on said spring, and a cooperating peaked projection engagable therewith and ,operative to press the spring toward said actuating member as the latter is moved about its C0 pivot and to release the spring after the projection thereon has passed the peak of said cooperating projection.

31. In a switch mechanism, contact mechanism including stationary and movable contact members, apivoted actuating'member, a

spring movable therewith and toward and from said actuating member, a projection having a Working surface on the opposite side of said spring from said member, and a 00- operating peaked projection engageable by said working surface and operative to press the spring toward said actuating member as the latter is moved about its pivot and to release the spring after the projection thereon has passed the peak of said cooperating projection.

32. In a switch mechanism, contact mechanism including stationary and movable contact members, a basecarrying said contact mechanism, an actuating member pivoted on said base, and means for imparting a series of snap actions to said movable contact member as said actuating member is moved about its pivot including a spring movable with said actuating member and toward and from the same having a projection provided with a working surface on the side distant from said actuating member, and means in the form of a series of spaced projections carried on said base and cooperating with the projection on said spring.

33. A switch mechanism comprising a pivoted actuating member, a spring movable therewith and toward and from the same, a stationary member, cooperating projections between said spring and stationary member operative as said actuating member is moved to press said spring toward the actuating member and release the spring while moving the latter with a quick lateral impulse, and contact mechanism including a movable contact actuated with a snap action as said actu ating member is thus moved.

34. A switch mechanism comprising a pivoted actuating member, a spring movable therewith and toward and from the same, a stationary member, cooperating projections between said spring and stationary member operative to press said spring toward the actuating member and release the same, and a pivoted switch contact carrying member disposed in a plane above said actuating member, saidcontact carrying member having 'a slot receiving a struck-up portion on said actuating member, and said spring having a bent-up portion receivable in the slot thus formed in said actuating member.

35. An electric switch unit for through switches or the like and adapted to be received in an outer shell or casing comprising spaced operatively connected insulating plates disposed in parallel relation and having between them stationary and movable contacts and operating mechanism for the latter including a contact actuating member extending laterally from between said plates and movable relative thereto in a plane parallel' thereto.

36. An electric switch comprising spaced operatively connected insulating plates disposed in parallel relation, stationary and movable contact members between the same, movable contact operating mechanism between the same including a swinging contact actuatingmember extending laterally from between said plates and movable in a plane parallel thereto, terminal connections including a pair of connections carried by theouter surface of one plate, and a through connection carried by the outer surface of the other plate.

37. An electric switch unit comprising separable sections each carried on a plate and one comprising a switch actuating mechanism and the other a movable contact carrying member and its cooperating stationary contacts, said actuating mechanism and said movable contact member interengaging for operation when the two sections are brought together.

38. An electric switch unit comprising separable sections each carried on a plate and One comprising a switch actuating mechanism and the other a movable contact carrying member and its cooperating stationary contacts, said actuating mechanism and said contact carrying member having a slot and pin connection operatively connecting them for operation when the two sections are brought together.

39. In an electric switch unit, a plurality of plates, a frame carried by one of said plates and carrying a pivoted actuating member, a pivoted contact member and cooperating contacts carried by the other of said pla es, and operative connections between said actuating member and said contact carrying member automatically connectible when the same are brought together to transmit the movement of said actuating member to said contact carrying member.

40. In an electric switch unit, a plurality of plates, a frame carried by one of said plates and carrying a pivoted actuating member, a pivoted contact member and cooperating contacts carried by the other of said plates, an operative connection between said contact carrying member and said actuating member whereby as said actuating member is moved about its pivot the contact carrying member is moved therewith, and

means connecting said plates into a unit.

41. An electric switch unit comprisingseparable unitary sections connectible to form a switch unit, one carrying a switch actuating mechanism and the other carrying a movable contact member and cooperating contacts, and one operatively connectible with the other when the unitary sections are brought together, and aplurality of terminals connected with said contacts and located on the opposite side of the section carrying the movable contact memberfrom said member and providing all the necessary electrical connections for the svi ch.

42. An electric switch unit comprising separable unitarysections connectible to form a switch unit, one carrying a switch actuating mechanism and the other carrying a movable contact-member and cooperating contacts,

and one operatively connectible with the other when the unitary sections are brought together, a plurality. of conducting strips connected to said contacts and located on the opposite side of the section carrying the movable contact member from said member and providing all the necessary electrical connections for the switch, and a conducting strip on the opposite side of the section carrying the actuating member from said member forming a' through connection.

43. An electric switch mechanism comprising a casing presenting an elongated slot in one side thereof extending longitudinally of the casing, and a switch in said casing having an operating member protruding only slightly through said slot movable within the limits thereof to actuate said switch, said switch including stationary and movable contacts and mechanism operative to make and break a plurality of circuits with a series of snap actions and said operating member in different positions of said switch occupying a plurality of corresponding positions along the length of the slot-including positions adjacent the opposite ends thereof and an intermediate position.

44. An electric switch mechanism comprising complementary casing means presenting a conductor opening at one end thereof and an elongated slot in one side thereof extending longitudinally toward said end, and means therein including terminal connections for conductors, stationary and movable contact members, and actuating mechanism hav-- ing means operative to change a plurality of circuits with a series of snapactions and a reversely swinging operating member protruding through said slot.

45. An electric switch mechanism comprising complementary casing means having conductor openings at the, opposite ends thereof and an elongated slot in one side thereof extending longitudinally thereof toward said ends, and meanstherein including terminal and through connections for conductors, stationary and movable contact members, and actuating mechanism for the latter having means operative to make and break a plurality of circuits with a series of snap actions and a reversely swinging operating member protruding through said slot.

46. In an electric switch, an electric switch unit comprising spaced operatively con-- nected insulating plates disposed in parallel relation and having between them stationary and movable contact members and actuating mechanism including an elongated swinging contact actuating member extending laterally from between said plates and movable in a plane parallel thereto, and casing means enclosing and positioning said unit and having an aperture in the side thereof through which said actuating member extends in different operative positions.

47. In an electric switch, an electric switch unit comprising spaced operatively connected insulating plates disposed in parallel relation and having between them stationary and movable contact members, and actuating mechanism having a reversely swinging contact actuating member extending laterally from between said plates and swinging in a plane parallel thereto, and casing means enclosing said unit and having a slot in the side thereof through which the free end of said swinging member projects.

48. In an electric switch, an electric switch unit comprising spaced operatively con nected insulating plates disposed in parallel relation and having between them stationary and movable contact members and actuating mechanism, the latter including a reversely swinging contact actuating member extending laterally from between said plates and swinging in a plane parallel thereto, switch. terminal and through connections carried on said plates, and casing means enclosing said unit having conductor apertures in its opposite ends and a slot in the side thereof through which the free end of said swinging member projects.

49. An electric switch mechanism comprising a switch unit carrying terminal and 1 through connections thereon and having stationary and movable contacts and actuating mechanism for the latter having means operable to make and break a circuit with a snap action and a single reversely swinging actuating member, and a casingenclosing said switch unit provided with an aperture in the side thereof disposed longitudinally of said casing and through which said actuating member projects.

50. An electric through switch mechanism comprising a-switch unit carrying terminal and through'connections thereon and having stationary and movable contacts and actuating mechanism for the latter having means operable to make and break a plurality of circuits with a series of snap actions and a single reversely swinging actuating member, and a casing enclosing said switch unit provided with conductor apertures in its ends and a slot in the side thereof through ,which said actuating member projects.

51. An electric through switch mechanism comprising a switch unit carrying terminal and through connections on the exterior thereof and having stationary and movable contacts and actuating mechanism for the latter having means operable to make and break a plurality of circuit with a series of snap actions and a single reversely swinging actuating member swinging longitudinally of said unit, and a casing enclosing said switch unit provided with conductor apertures in its ends and a slot in the side thereof extending longitudinally of said casing and through which said actuating member projects.

52. An electric through switch mechanism comprising terminal conductor connections, stationary and movable contacts, actuating mechanism for the latter having means operable to make and break a plurality of circuits with a series of snap actions and a reversely swinging actuating member, and a casing enclosing said elements having its ends provided with conductor apertures and a portion between said ends adapted to be disposed .in the hand and having a slot ex tending longitudinally of the casing on one side thereof and in which the actuating end of said actuating member is disposed in operative positions adjacent the opposite ends of said slot and intermediate said ends.

53. An electric heater switch mechanism comprising a casing having therein terminal conductor connections, stationary and movable contact members, and an actuating mechanism for the latterhaving means for changing a plurality of circuitconnections with a series of snap actions and a reversely swinging actuating member swinging longitudinally of said connections between extreme positions, said contacts and actuating mechanism in one extreme position of said swinging member being in off position and during movement of said member from that position to the other extreme position successively establishing a plurality of diflerent circuit connections.

54:. In combination, an insulating base, switch mechanism thereon including a mov able contact member swinging parallel to said base, a plurality of switch terminal members on the opposite face of said base from that carrying-said switch mechanism,

' and a plurality of rivets extending through said base having one end forming stationary contacts engaged by said movable contact member and the other extending through said members and forming attaching means therefor.

55. An electric switch mechanism comprising end caps and intermediate shell means providing a longitudinal slot extending substantially from end to end ofsaid shell means, and a switch enclosed insaid caps and shell means comprising movable and stationary contacts and actuating mechanism for the former, said actuating mechanism including a pivoted actuating member extending through said slot and movable about its pivot substantially throughout the length thereof successively to make. and break a plurality of circuits while moving in one direction.

56. A switch mechanism comprising a series of stationary projections each having opposite sloping sides, a spring connected 00- operating projection adapted to travel over said projections, means including an actuating member for moving said projection up one set of sloping sides, and contact mechanism including a movable contact member relative to which said spring connected projection is independently movable when pass ing over said stationary projections and movable by said spring connected projection with a series of snap actions when said projection moves down the opposite sloping sides of said stationary projections.

57. A switch mechanism comprising a series of stationary projections disposed in arcuate arrangement and each having opposite sloping sides, a pivoted spring connected cooperating projection adapted to travel over said projections, means including a pivoted actuating member for moving said projection up one set of sloping sides, and contact mechanism including a movable contact member having said spring connected projection movable relative thereto as said projection moves over said stationary projections and actuated by said movable projection with a series of snap actions when said projection moves down the opposite sloping sides.

58. An electric switch including stationary and movable contacts, and means operative to bring said movable contacts successively and then simultaneously into stationary contact engaging position including a swinging spring operative to adjust said movable contacts, a swinging actuating member operative to swing said spring, and cooperating station-- ary means for imparting to said spring and movable contacts a'series of quick lateral impulses during swinging of said actuating member.

59. An electric switch including stationary and swinging contacts, and means operative to bring said swinging contacts successively and then simultaneously into stationary contact engaging position including a swinging spring operative to adjust said swinging contacts, a swinging actuating member operative to swing said spring and swinging in a path between the paths of said movable contact and spring, and cooperating means including a series of stationary closely adjacent peaked projections successively engageable by said spring for imparting to said spring and swinging contacts a series of quick lateral impulses during travel of said actuating member in either direction.

60. A switch mechanism comprising a pivotedactuating member, a spring connected member movable thereby and toward and from the same and carrying a projection, a stationary member, and a series of cooperating peaked projections between said spring connected member and said stationary member successively engageable by the projection carried by said spring connected member and each operative to press the latter member toward the actuating member and release the spring connected member with a quick lateral impulse, and contact mechanism including a plurality of stationary contacts and a pivoted contact carrying member carrying a plurality of contacts and movable laterally by said impulses.

61. In an electric switch device, a casing having a slot in one side thereof extending longitudinally of the casing, contacts in said casing including a plurality of stationary contacts and a plurality of movable contacts, and actuating mechanism comprising an actuating member movable lengthwise of said slot and having a single actuating portion projecting therefrom in a plurality of different operative positions therein, and mechanism in said casing actuated by said member and operative successively to connect single movable and stationary contacts and there after to cause a plurality of movable contacts to occupy simultaneously a stationary contact engaging position.

62. An electric switch device having a casing presenting a slot extending longitudinally of the casing in one side thereof, and a switch in said casing including stationary contacts, a plurality of movable contacts, and contact actuating mechanism operative successively to establish a series of different circuits and having an operating member protruding through said slot and in diiierent positions of saidswitch occupying a corresponding series of positions along the length of the slot including positions adjacent the opposite ends thereof and an intermediate position.

63. An electric switch device having a casing presenting a slot extending longitudinally of the casing in one side thereof, and a switch in said casing including insulating base means extending longitudinally of said casing and carrying stationarycontact means,

movable contact means, and contact actuating u mechanism operative successively to establish a series of different circuits and having an operating member protruding through said'slot and in different positions of said switch occupying a corresponding series of positions along the length of the slot includ ing positions adjacent the opposite ends thereof and an intermediate position.

64. In an electric switch device,.a casing presenting conductor apertures in its opposite ends and a longitudinal slot in one side thereof, series of terminals in said casing respectively connectible to conductors extending through opposite apertures and forming connections'for the line and the device to be controlled, and reversible switch mechanism in said casing operative to make and break a series of circuits through said device terminals and having a reversible actuating member movable longitudinally of said slot in the direction of said device to establish current flow and in the direction of the line to off position.

65. In an electric switch device, a casing presenting conductor apertures in its opposite ends and a slot in one side thereof extending longitudinally of the casing, binding posts in said casing connectible to conductors extending through the apertures in the ends thereof including different series of binding posts connectible to different series of conductors, a through connection in said casing connecting one binding post of each set, and a switch in said casing controlling the circuit connections between the remaining binding posts and including an actuating member movable longitudinally of said slot and having a plurality of positions therein.

66. In an electric switch device, a casing having conductor apertures in its ends and a longitudinal slot in the side thereof, and a switch mechanism in said casing having terminal connections comprising line connections at one end thereof and at the other end connections for the device to be controlled, a plurality of stationary and a plurality of movable contacts, and operating means for bringing the movable contacts successively into different positions wherein one movable contact engages one stationary contact and then simultaneously into stationarycontact engaging position having an actuating member movable longitudinally of said slot, said actuating member having an off position when in one end of said slot, an on position when in the other end thereof and a plurality of intermediate on positions.

67. In an electric switch device, a casing having conductor apertures in its ends and a longitudinally extending slot in one side thereof, an actuating member projecting through said slot and pivoted in said casing, a series of adjacent stationary peaked proj ections in said casing disposed in an arc about the pivot of said actuating member, a spring connected cooperating projection in said casing movable successively up one set of slopes on said pro ections as said actuatmg member is swung about its pivot, and contact mechanism likewise in said casing'including a movable contact member movable successively with a series of snap actions by said spring connected projection as it moves down the opposite set of slopes.

68. In an electric switch device, a casing having conductor apertures in its ends and a longitudinally extending slot in the s de thereof, an actuating member projectlng through said slot and. pivoted in said casing adjacent the opposite side of the latter, a series of stationary projections in said casing disposed in an arc about the pivot of said actuatingmember and between the ends of ,the latter, a spring connected cooperating projection in said casing movable successively up one set of slopes on said projections as said actuating member is swung about its pivot, and contact mechanism likewise in said casing including a movable contact member movable successively with a series of snap actions by said spring connected projection as it moves down the opposite set of slopes.

69. In an electric switch device, a casing having conductor apertures in its ends and a slot extending longitudinally of the side" thereof, and switch mechanism therein including an actuating member movable longitudinally of said slot and projecting therefrom, cam and spring mechanism comprising a stationary series of peaked cams and a having conductor apertures in its ends and a slot. extending longitudinally of one side thereof, and switch mechanism therein including a pivoted actuating member movable longitudinally of said slot and projecting therefrom, cam and spring mechanism comprising a stationary series of adjacent peaked cams and a resiliently mounted cooperating cam engageable therewith, and contact mechanism including a pivoted contact member movable about its pivot by said actuating member as said cooperating cam moves up the slopes of said peaked cams and movable by said cooperating cam with a. series of quick lateral impulses as said cooperating cam. moves down the opposite slopes.

71. An electric switch unit comprising a plurality of casing members forming a casing having conductor apertures in its ends, and a switch mechanism therein including stationary and movable contact members, and contact actuating mechanism having a reversible swinging actuating member swinging longitudinally relative to said casing,

members and said conductor apertures and extending laterally from within said casing members and snap actuating means actuated by movement of said member. 7

7 2. An electric switch device comprising a casing having apertures in its ends and a longitudinal slot between said ends, an insulating base therein, and means carried by said base including a reversible swinging actuating member swinging longitudinally relative to said base and extending laterally from the latter through said slot, stationary and movable contact members, terminal connections at opposite ends of said base, and reversible mechanism actuated by said actuating member to make and break a plurality 12 aziness of circuits with a series of snap actions as said member is swung in either direction.

73. An electric switch unit comprising a plurality of insulating base members, and a switch mechanism therebetween having a swinging actuating member movable relative to said insulating members and extending laterally from between the same, stationary and movable contact members, and means for imparting a series of snap actions. to said movable contact member including a series of projections stationary with respect to said insulating members, and a resiliently mounted eo-operating projection swinging with said actuating member.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

JOHANN G. PETERSUN.

CERTIFICATE or conarcrion.

Patent No. 1, sis, 633. Granted July 21, 1931, w

JOHANN s. PETERSQN.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification'ot the stove numbered patent reqniring correetion as follows: Page 3, line 80, for "inclined" read incline; page 5, line 115, claim 13, after "latter" insert a comma; page 6, line 27, claim 17, before mechanism" insert actuating member; line 62, claim 19, strike out "cam"; line 120, claim 24, strike out,"into"; page 9, line 64,. claim 51, for "circuit" read circuits, and page 11, line 36, claim 66, after "thereof". insert a comma; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 1st day, of September, A. D. 1931.

M. J. Moore,

(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

